Stuttering Workshop: UC Hosts 25th Annual Cincinnati Stride
Organizers aim to reduce anxiety and build confidence for local children and teens through a free, all-day event in Mt. Healthy.
By Rebecca Svoboda ·
The University of Cincinnati will host its 25th annual Cincinnati Stride workshop on Friday, Nov. 13. The free event is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hamilton County Educational Center in Mt. Healthy. The day-long gathering is designed for children and teenagers who stutter, along with their parents and caregivers.
Speaking challenges often cause frustration and anxiety for young people. The workshop provides a space for these participants to connect with peers who share similar experiences. This environment helps them build confidence in their communication abilities.
Organizers recently promoted the event to local television audiences to increase attendance. Katrina Purcell, a speech-language pathologist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, co-organized the session. She appeared on WLWT-TV alongside Rockin' Ron Schumacher of WGRR radio to discuss the workshop's goals and logistics.
Rockin' Ron Schumacher also participated in a separate media appearance on WKRC-TV. For that interview, he was joined by Rob Reichhardt, the director of the Pathways Forward Center for Stuttering. Both men outlined the support network available for local families during the one-day program.
The event has evolved over the past quarter-century. It was previously known as Fluency Friday. The 25th anniversary marks a milestone for the program, which continues to bring together local speech-language experts and graduate students from the university. These professionals work directly with participants to address specific fluency difficulties.
The workshop serves as a practical resource for working families in the region. By offering the session for free, organizers remove financial barriers to accessing specialized care and peer support. The location in Mt. Healthy allows for easy access for residents across Hamilton County.
The program relies on the combined efforts of university faculty, hospital clinicians, and community radio personalities. These stakeholders collaborate to ensure the event meets the needs of the local community. The focus remains on providing a supportive setting for young speakers to practice and improve.
